CVE-2008-1102 in Blender
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the imb_loadhdr function in Blender 2.45 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a .blend file that contains a crafted Radiance RGBE image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-1102 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting Blender version 2.45, specifically within the imb_loadhdr function. This flaw demonstrates how multimedia file processing can introduce severe security risks when proper input validation and memory management practices are absent from the codebase. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability involves the processing of .blend files, which are Blender's native file format that can contain various data types including image files. When Blender attempts to load a .blend file containing a crafted Radiance RGBE image, the imb_loadhdr function fails to properly validate the size and structure of the image data before attempting to copy it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can craft a malicious .blend file with oversized RGBE image data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing a stack overflow that can be leveraged to overwrite return addresses and function pointers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a user-assisted remote attack vector that can be exploited through social engineering or automated delivery mechanisms. Attackers can distribute malicious .blend files through various channels including email attachments, file sharing platforms, or compromised websites, where unsuspecting users might open them with Blender. This attack model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of malicious files to gain initial access or execute code in target environments. The vulnerability affects both local and remote execution scenarios, as users who download and open these files on their systems become potential victims.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of the affected Blender version, as the original flaw exists in the core image loading functionality that is essential for the application's operation. Users should upgrade to Blender versions that contain proper bounds checking and memory management fixes for the imb_loadhdr function. Security measures should include implementing strict file format validation, employing sandboxing techniques for file processing, and establishing content filtering mechanisms for potentially malicious files. Organizations should also consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious .blend file transfers, particularly in environments where Blender is commonly used for 3D modeling and animation work. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why proper input validation and memory safety practices are essential in multimedia processing applications, as the complexity of image formats and file structures can easily introduce such exploitable conditions when not properly managed.